Therapist

The Organization

SSG-Project 180 turns lives around through innovative, wraparound services that keep people out of institutions and in their communities. Project 180 is a leader in the forensic treatment space, offering high-quality, specialized treatment programs that serve thousands of justice-involved individuals. Our programs span criminal justice intercepts and include pre-arrest interventions, court-based diversions, jail in-reach, and intensive post-release services. Project 180 operates in partnership with County agencies including the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Department of Health Services (DHS), and the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD).

The Program

Interim Housing is a county-funded Department of Health Service (DHS) Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR) program for individuals declared incompetent to stand trial. Instead of receiving services in a state hospital or locked facility, individuals are diverted to receive community based competency restoration. The Interim Housing program provides intensive, wraparound behavioral health services at 4 transitional housing sites. 

The Position

Under the supervision of the Interim Housing Program Supervisor and Clinical Supervisor, the therapist is responsible for providing intensive clinical services to clients at an Interim Housing site. Therapists also serve as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. A successful therapist will actively engage this population in services, supporting their clients in making progress towards meaningful recovery goals. 

Essential Functions

Provide direct clinical care to ensure high-quality service delivery and outcomes:

• Actively engage clients in services through the development of strong rapport, consistent contact and use of motivational interviewing. Provide outreach services as needed, meeting clients “where they are at” (service location, client’s point of view).
• Complete initial assessment, formulate a diagnosis and engage clients in treatment planning. Services to target symptom reduction and cornerstones of recovery oriented care (instilling hope, empowerment, self-responsibility and engaging in meaningful roles). 
• Provide individual and group psychotherapy, rehabilitation, clinical case management and crisis intervention services. 

• Develop comprehensive discharge plans to support clients in transitioning from interim housing treatment environment. 

Collaborate with a multidisciplinary treatment team to coordinate client care:

• Actively contributes to planning and execution of clinical interventions in collaboration with the treatment team. Leverage unique skills and abilities of team members in service delivery.  
• Participate in outreach and engagement efforts with treatment team. 

• Coordinate services with various public and private community health, mental health, and social service agencies to ensure appropriate services for clients

Support clients in successfully adhering to court requirements:

• Support clients in understanding the court process, appropriate court conduct, and their specific court orders. 
• Write and submit court reports per program guidelines.
• Assist clients in attending scheduled court appearances, providing transportation and accompanying them as necessary. 

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive case notes in the electronic health record per program guidelines
• Maintain and submit billing records per program guidelines 
• Participate in program data collection per program guidelines.

Fulfill baseline Project 180 staff expectations.

• Regular attendance required. Holiday or weekend work may be required.
• Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.  
• Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (i.e. BBS, CCAPP)

Skills and Abilities

• Clinical Expertise: Provides clinical care with a focus on high-quality service delivery.
• Empathetic and able to develop strong relationships with clients
• Collaborative: Able to work in diverse teams to solve complex issues 
• Adaptive to changing circumstances and client needs in a dynamic environment
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills, remains calm under pressure. 
• Organized: Strong organization systems and attention to detail
• Communication skills: Clearly conveys information, builds rapport, and effectively engages with clients.

Minimum Qualification

• Master’s degree in social work or mental health field from an accredited college or university, and valid license or registration with licensing body (i.e. the BBS). 

• Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
• Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance and own vehicle required. Ability to transport clients in personal vehicle as needed. 

• Must not be on any type of legal supervision (probation or parole).

• Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check
• Basic computer skills

Preferred

• Spanish speaking
• Experience working with the forensic and/or dual diagnosed populations.
• Experience working on an interdisciplinary team in a mental health or hospital setting.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Environmental Conditions (Working Conditions)

Job duties are to be performed both in office and field settings.

Physical Requirements  

The employee is expected to move about the worksite throughout the day, which may involve walking, standing, and climbing stairs, or using a mobility device, or similar. The employee is expected to drive, carry a maximum of 20 lbs, listen, and speak in order to complete job requirements. 

Mental Requirements 

The employee must be able to do any/all of the following: perform complex and varied tasks such as synthesizing information and making decisions without immediate supervision; handle routine distractions, interruptions, noise, and uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; interact professionally and diplomatically in high-stress situations; create and follow plans; meet deadlines.